Let’s talk about the renewal of Glencore’s ministerial authorization for the Horne smelter. What if the toxic fumes from the Horne smelter were coronaviruses instead of contaminants? It would have been a long time since the government took concrete measures to enforce the standards, the thresholds below which an individual is not at risk of being affected, and therefore to protect the population.
As with COVID-19, some health effects of contaminants from foundry air emissions are now known and documented: 14 more lung cancer cases per year, 1,100 excess patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , 25% more risk of having a low-weight baby (the consequences can be serious and follow the people concerned all their life), five years less life expectancy for residents of the Notre-Dame district and two years younger for urban Rouyn-Noranda.
And just like with COVID-19, you can’t predict who will suffer or to what degree. Unlike the coronavirus, however, there is no community transmission. The WHOLE population of the MRC de Rouyn-Noranda is exposed: we work, we go to daycare, we go to school, we do our shopping, we use services, we go out, we breathe… town ! And, unfortunately, we have no way to protect ourselves (no vaccine, no isolation, no hand washing, no masks…).
Just as COVID-19 is overloading our healthcare system, the effects of contaminants are overloading our network, which is already under pressure, which also has significant psychological, social and economic consequences. This also reduces the attractiveness of our city (Who wanted to go to the red zone with COVID-19, without additional protection? Nobody!), Which does nothing to help solve or even curb the labor shortage. work that affects all walks of life, particularly in the field of health.
And as with COVID-19, many people thought we were freaking out at first, that we shouldn’t talk about it, because it scared people and caused bad press. But the problem is there, it exists. The data is there whether we like it or not. And it is not the people who denounce the problem who created it or amplified it. Between Glencore’s plan and the closure of the smelter, there are several possible solutions to meet the standards, some of which will be applicable as of tomorrow, in order to ensure a prosperous and healthy future in Rouyn-Noranda.
For example, the foundry could filter its inputs and reduce its production while making the necessary improvements to reach the standards. During this time, the government could financially support the employees. In any case, he will save money, in particular thanks to the reduction in health costs related to the effects of contaminants.
Yes, Glencore may make less profit as it upgrades to meet the new standards. At least it won’t be up to the people of Rouyn-Noranda to pay the price with their health and prosperity. This will inevitably encourage the foundry to modernize more quickly rather than possibly stretching its schedule.
With the coronavirus, would the government have waited before putting in place measures to protect the population in order to save a company’s profits? In the aftermath of the elections, it is up to citizens to mobilize, including this time children and adolescents. You have until October 20 to give your opinion on the public consultation. It takes two minutes and an email. You can also do it anonymously, and there is no age limit. For once young people have a say in their future!